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  1. "Despite massive investments & widespread hype around #ArtificialIntelligence, the technology has delivered zero financial payoff to corporate America outside of tech...

    there are still no signs of AI boosting productivity growth... With no impact on the bottom line, mainstream corporate America is pulling back & starting to view token spending not as a source of growth but as a cost center that weighs on margins."
    apollo.com/wealth/insights-new

    ht: @pluralistic

    #Tech #AI #Business #News #US #USA

  2. Cognitive dissonance around #GenAI is so extremely high. On one hand you have people doing vulnerability research and software decompilations and making software look like a solved thing. On the other hand you have big AI labs completely unable to find a road to profitability, and every damn study showing GenAI does almost never improve efficiency. The last one: apollo.com/wealth/insights-new

  3. Torsten Slok, Chief Economist, Apollo:

    "AI may be a great calculator, but in business, intelligence is mostly judgment. Judgment depends on context, and the answer varies with which human or which model you ask. Perhaps most importantly, AI does not understand accountability, trust, culture, unwritten rules, ethical trade-offs or fairness, all of which shape reputational risk and ultimately drive revenue growth and profit margins."

    apollo.com/wealth/insights-new
    1/n

  4. I was wondering when Laura Malvoyante would be getting her new Jolla Phone 2026. Apparently she now has had it for a week and she has published a video on her YouTube channel with her first impressions. And what a video it is! She has been daily driving the Jolla C2 phone and now switched to the Jolla J2.

    I'm pretty sure she will follow this video up with one or two more videos, so I recommend subscribing to her channel.

    youtube.com/watch?v=_e3FEPiz_U8

    #SailfishOS #JollaPhone2026 #BigTech @jolla

  5. With Saturn guiding your service sector today, Libra, steady effort is your ally under Revati Nakshatra’s gentle influence. How will you honor the patient work this day invites?

    mastroify.com/horoscope/libra/

    #Libra #LibraHoroscope #TulaRashi #DailyHoroscope #TodaysHoroscope #RevatiNakshatra #SharadPurnima #SundayMotivation #VedicAstrology #Horoscope

  6. Dozens of Palestinian vehicles queue at an Israeli checkpoint at the entrance to Deir Jarir, northeast of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, this morning, waiting their turn to pass.

    Israeli forces impose widespread movement restrictions across the occupied West Bank, using checkpoints, roadblocks and closures to impede Palestinians' movement between towns and villages, disrupting daily life and access to work, education and essential services.

    #Israel #Palestine #Gaza #WestBank #Palestinian

  7. With the Moon in Revati nakshatra today, Taurus, your social bonds invite gentle care and meaningful presence. Embrace growth by focusing your energy wisely—depth over breadth guides your connections as Sharad Purnima approaches.

    mastroify.com/horoscope/taurus

    #Taurus #TaurusHoroscope #VrishabhRashi #DailyHoroscope #TodaysHoroscope #RevatiNakshatra #SharadPurnima #SundayMotivation #VedicAstrology #Horoscope

  8. Hello everyone. After a five month break, I'm back and settling in here. For anyone new, I'm a Melbourne postgraduate student with a background in neuroscience and peer support. I tend to write longer, reflective posts about faith and the small moments of daily life, and I love it when a post turns into a good conversation in the replies.

    For those who remember me, there is some news. I have almost finished my Master of Counselling and will graduate around July 2027. I have also stepped away from my choral scholar role after several years of singing in the choir. Church is something I'm rethinking at the moment, and I find myself drawn towards contemplative and liturgical spaces while I work out what comes next.

    Music remains close to my heart. Classical music and live concerts are where I'm happiest, and you may catch me chatting along during ABC Classic broadcasts. I'm also a longtime Apple user who enjoys swapping app tips. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new people here.

    #Introduction #CounsellingStudent #ClassicalMusic #ChoirLife #Melbourne

  9. Venus enters your house of gains, Sagittarius, spotlighting your unique style. With admiration already in the air, consider how you might welcome this energy today under Revati’s gentle guidance.

    mastroify.com/horoscope/sagitt

    #Sagittarius #SagittariusHoroscope #DhanuRashi #DailyHoroscope #TodaysHoroscope #RevatiNakshatra #SharadPurnima #SundayMotivation #VedicAstrology #Horoscope

  10. Russia, Turkey and Kazakhstan have several continents in Wikidata, Berlin has no capital, Bavaria has two flags: the rules behind a six-language Europe quiz.#wikidata #sparql #opendata #webdev #software #coding #development #engineering #inclusive #community
    Which countries are in Europe? What Wikidata told us while building a daily quiz
  11. Under Revati’s gentle light and Shukla Chaturdashi’s auspicious energy, Jupiter invites Scorpio to explore meaningful growth. Will you welcome patience as a guide on this journey? Reflect deeply with your full horoscope before Sharad Purnima’s arrival.

    mastroify.com/horoscope/scorpi

    #Scorpio #ScorpioHoroscope #VrishchikRashi #DailyHoroscope #TodaysHoroscope #RevatiNakshatra #SharadPurnima #SundayMotivation #VedicAstrology #Horoscope

  12. 💡 Breaking news: AI is still a no-show in industries that aren't tech. Who would've thought that a tool designed by techies doesn't magically solve all worldly problems? 🤖💼 Meanwhile, login pages are thriving across the internet. 🌐🔐
    apollo.com/wealth/insights-new #AIinIndustry #TechReality #DigitalTrends #LoginPages #FutureOfWork #HackerNews #ngated

  13. Fondling Apple’s Folding iPhone Duo

    Anticipating Apple’s now released iPhone Duo I spent a morning earlier this past summer checking out Samsung’s latest folding smartphones. I’d never been interested in the folding form factor before and thought it was time to feel them out for myself. I wrote about that here. 

    Yesterday on a series of errands I convinced my wife to join me in doing some hands-on time with the iPhone Duo in a local Apple Store. Not only did I want to check the device out myself, but my wife is unflinching in her response to all things tech. Her responses are always genuine, occasionally surprising, and often unflinching. With her it’s a quick like/don’t like, and her first impressions rarely change even as she slowly adopts something new.

    She was a reluctant iPhone user, only coming on board once manual keyboards disappeared from the scene. And her favorite iPhone was the iPhone mini. Even though she’s using an iPhone 17 now, she still curses Apple for discontinuing that form factor. Daily. Sometimes multiple times a day. I distinctly remember how unhappy she was the day she traded in the second of her iPhone 13 minis. 

    Back in the day when video reviews of gadgets began to be a thing I’d put her in front of a camera for GottaBeMobile to see how she responded to things. The results were often hilarious as she’d make up her own terms for things, but in the end, always telling. 

    Before I get to my initial reactions to fondling the device, let me say straight up my wife was not impressed. When she first picked up the device she emphatically said, “This is too heavy. I wouldn’t put that in my purse.”

    Almost immediately followed by “What kind of case do you put on this thing?” She drives the tech she uses hard. So hard, I’m glad Apple Care exists. 

    I encouraged her to fold and unfold the device, check out its different orientations and open a few apps. Her negative impression of the device’s weight paled in comparison to her reaction when she realized she couldn’t fully reach across the screen in the closed position to type on the keyboard with one hand. She could get close, but not close enough to feel comfortable. 

    She was surprised at how difficult it was to open and close. “You have to use two hands to do anything on this,” she exclaimed. “I feel like I’m going to break it. For something so solid and heavy it feels too fragile.” 

    First impressions leave a mark. Hers were as indelible as a tattoo. 

    I have to admit mine were only different by degree.

    Even though I’d read about how heavy the iPhone Duo is, I was surprised at the weight in my hand when I picked it up. Opening and closing the device needed more heft than I wanted it to, much like the Samsung devices I checked out this past summer.

    While the premium builds of these foldable devices feel solid when you pick them up, the central premise and promise of unfolding the screen feels far too adventurous in my limited hands on time. I’ve noticed that some reviewers are searching for the right place to put your thumb on the larger screen when you close the device after the news of some screens cracking due to a hinge fault. To a degree it smacks of “you’re holding it wrong.” Or is that folding?

    I very much like the larger display and can see its attractiveness. So much so that my gut feeling after reading and watching reviews was confirmed once I held the device. I wish Apple had released a folding iPad mini.

    Though as someone who uses an iPad as a primary tool in theatre rehearsals, without a good case solution I find it hard to image using what is a very nice thin display in what can be a bit of a hectic and chaotic environment of tech tables filled with other equipment. But a suitable case solution defeats and diminishes the effect of this very nice smaller screen. At least in my mind. 

    I’m not as enamored of the closed face. Again, in limited hands-on testing I agree with those who say there’s too little screen real estate when a keyboard is on the screen to feel comfortable. Everything feels crowded. Certainly not pleasing to the eye. 

    All of that said I’ll say what I said about Samsung’s foldables. I can see the attraction for this category of smartphones. But it’s not something I’m interested in. Even ignoring the price points they feel more like luxury devices, than they do everyday practical devices. They require too much hands-on effort for those of us who’ve gotten used to the grab-and-go way we use our smartphones. I’m sure I could get used to quickly taking a photo with practice, but I bet it would still take longer than doing so on my current iPhone. My grandkids move too fast for that kind of action.

    I also can’t imagine quickly folding and unfolding an iPhone Duo to take notes or review a script in rehearsals to avoid those chaotic tech tables. Moments move too quickly for an action that feels so painstaking.

    These are first impressions. First impressions leave a mark and you don’t often get a chance to change them. Samsung and others have been attempting to reverse that trend for years now, and I imagine they hope Apple’s entry into the foldable market will be a big enough boost to help the entire segment. That may prove to be true down the road, but I think foldable smartphone makers still have some distance to travel before everyday users feel comfortable wrapping their hands around folding phones.

     One other quick note. Talking to an Apple store employee I’m familiar with they said interest quickly waned after a small rush on release day last Friday. My wife and I were the only two people anywhere near the two iPhone Duos the store had on display for the hour or so we were in the store, though admittedly it was on a Monday afternoon.

    Thanks for reading. You can subscribe to this blog if you care to. You can also find more of my writings on a variety of topics on Medium at this link, including in the publications Ellemeno and Rome. I can also be found on social media under my name as above. This site does not use affilate links. 

     

    #Apple #iPhone #iPhoneDuo #Samsung #Tech #technology
  14. Raleigh Government Events Guide October 27, 2026 Edition

    Raleigh’s government calendar for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, includes meetings focused on Dix Park, planning, housing, the environment, public art and police advisory work. Two City Council committee meetings are listed as cancelled.

    Here’s your DoRaleigh guide to the day’s scheduled meetings and what to check before attending or watching.

    Morning Meetings: Dix Park and Planning

    Dix Park Commission Meeting

    Time: 9 a.m.
    Category: Boards and Commissions

    The Dix Park Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday morning. Residents interested in Dix Park can review the meeting agenda for the specific topics scheduled for discussion.

    Planning Commission

    Time: 9 a.m.
    Category: Boards and Commissions

    The Planning Commission also meets at 9 a.m. Residents following development and land-use issues should check the agenda for the cases and items before the commission.

    Planning your morning: These meetings start at the same time. Confirm locations and viewing options before deciding which to follow.

    Two Raleigh Council Committee Meetings Cancelled

    The following meetings are listed as cancelled for October 27:

    • Community Safety and Quality of Life Committee Meeting: Originally scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
    • Economic Development and Innovation Committee Meeting: Originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

    Check the City of Raleigh calendar for future meeting dates and any rescheduling announcements.

    Afternoon Meeting: Housing and Environment

    Housing and Environment Committee Meeting

    Time: 4 p.m.
    Category: Council and Council Committee Meetings

    The Housing and Environment Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon. Residents interested in these policy areas can review the agenda to see which matters are scheduled for consideration.

    The supplied calendar does not identify individual agenda items or anticipated actions.

    Evening Meetings: Public Art and Police Advisory Work

    Public Art and Design Board Meeting

    Time: 5 p.m.
    Category: Boards and Commissions

    The Public Art and Design Board is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Check the meeting agenda for the projects and topics scheduled for review.

    The supplied listing includes a “Virtual Meeting Link” label but does not provide a URL. Visit the official event listing to locate the correct access information.

    Police Advisory Board Subcommittee Meeting

    Time: 5 p.m.
    Category: Boards and Commissions

    A Police Advisory Board subcommittee meeting is also scheduled for 5 p.m. Review the official event page for the subcommittee’s agenda, location and participation details.

    Because both evening meetings begin at the same time, check viewing options and the availability of meeting materials if you want to follow both.

    How to Follow Raleigh Government Meetings

    Before attending or watching a meeting:

    • Confirm its status. Check for cancellations, time changes or other updates.
    • Review the agenda. Calendar titles alone do not identify specific proposals, cases or votes.
    • Check the location or virtual access details. Meeting addresses and access URLs were not included in the supplied information.
    • Confirm public participation rules. A scheduled meeting does not automatically mean public comment will be offered.

    Visit the City of Raleigh website⁠ and search the meeting title to find its official listing and available materials.

    Stay Connected With Raleigh Civic News

    Tuesday’s schedule offers opportunities to follow Raleigh’s public spaces, planning, housing, environmental policy, public art and police advisory work. Remember that the Community Safety and Quality of Life Committee and Economic Development and Innovation Committee meetings are cancelled.

    Follow DoRaleigh.com for daily updates on government meetings, local festivals, and community happenings — your one-stop guide to everything Raleigh!

    Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

    Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

    Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

    Published by Bryan Tomlinson

    Design, Optimization, and Marketing Services Provided by BTDesigns.pro 

    This guide is based on the supplied City of Raleigh calendar information. All times are Eastern. Confirm meeting details with the city before making plans.

    #CityOfRaleigh #DixParkCommission #DoRaleigh #events #HousingAndEnvironmentCommittee #News #October2026 #PoliceAdvisoryBoard #PublicArtAndDesignBoard #RaleighCivicEngagement #RaleighGovernment #RaleighGovernmentMeetings #RaleighMeetingCancellations #RaleighPlanningCommission
  15. Journal – Week 43, October 2026

    Well, it's sure been a weird week... And the weather forecast wasn't the most accurate, as the two single drops for the weekend... Well, let's just say that two storms, one on Friday to Saturday, and the other Saturday to Sunday, brought a hella lot of rain and wind our way. I managed started visiting the gym a bit again, got some exercises in, plus a few better treadmill walks. Some chores got done, some decent sleep and some barely existing sleep, some better days, and some days that were all about surviving them... Yeah, been there and done it all! Can't wait for things to finally be able to get a bit more stable. Especially my sleep, health, and fitness routine. A graphic showing a 14-day weather forecast for Herpen, dated October 19, 2026, from the Dutch app Weer & Radar.The chart displays projected daily high and low temperatures alongside expected weather conditions across two full weeks, running Monday to Sunday:Week 1:Monday: High of 14°C, low of 10°C, mostly cloudy.Tuesday: High of 12°C, low of 5°C, sunny with no rain.Wednesday: High of 14°C, low of 9°C, sunny spells with a slight chance of light rain.Thursday: High of 13°C, low of 8°C, sunny spells with a slight chance of light rain.Friday: High of 13°C, low of 11°C, overcast with scattered rain showers.Saturday: High of 12°C, low of 7°C, sunny intervals with occasional rain.Sunday: High of 14°C, low of 7°C, sunny intervals with occasional rain.Week 2:Monday: High of 15°C, low of 8°C, predominantly overcast with little sunshine.Tuesday: High of 14°C, low of 9°C, overcast.Wednesday: High of 16°C, low of 8°C, overcast.Thursday: High of 16°C, low of 9°C, overcast.Friday: High of 16°C, low of 9°C, overcast.Saturday: High of 15°C, low of 8°C, overcast.Sunday: High of 14°C, low of 6°C, overcast.Overall, the forecast indicates cool, unsettled weather with mixed sunshine and light rain in the first week, shifting into milder, cloudier, and mostly dry days in the second week, peaking at 16°C midweek before slightly cooling down toward the weekend. Quick links to the days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. […]

    cynnisblog.wordpress.com/2026/

  16. #Disability #Poverty #Aging #Health
    🚨 URGENT HELP NEEDED TODAY 🚨

    I am a 48-year-old disabled man living in poverty, and I am struggling to survive.

    Every day is a battle against constant pain, sleepless nights, hunger, declining health, worsening vision, vertigo, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and the harsh reality that my disability income does not come close to covering the cost of living.

    I face impossible choices every day:

    Food or hygiene.
    Medication or necessities.
    Survival today or survival tomorrow.

    I have no safety net. No financial cushion. No family support. No meaningful support system.

    I am asking for help because I genuinely do not know how much longer I can continue carrying this burden alone.

    My Reality

    I live solely on SSDI.

    I have no health insurance.

    I do not drive.

    I live in a rural area with no public transportation, meaning everything I need must be delivered or depend on finding someone willing and able to help.

    My housing situation is unstable. Part of my rent is paid through helping maintain the property where I live, but my disabilities and declining health are making even those responsibilities increasingly difficult.

    I am aging in poverty, and every year brings new physical limitations, more pain, and greater uncertainty.

    I am not getting better.

    I am getting worse.

    My Health Is Declining

    My days are consumed by:

    Chronic pain
    Exhaustion
    High blood pressure fluctuations
    Vertigo and dizziness
    Poor mobility
    Knee, hip, ankle, and joint pain
    Numbness and weakness in my hands
    Cognitive and executive functioning decline
    Vision problems and light sensitivity
    Dental issues
    Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder

    Some days my vision becomes a fuzzy blur. Bright light hurts. Low light makes basic tasks difficult.

    If I sit too long, my joints lock up.

    If I stand too long, my legs burn and stiffen.

    If I lie down, pain spreads throughout my body.

    Simple daily activities that most people take for granted are becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

    Why I Am Reaching Out

    I am exhausted.

    Physically.

    Mentally.

    Emotionally.

    Spiritually.

    I have spent years contacting organizations, charities, government agencies, advocacy programs, nonprofits, and anyone I could think of for help.

    Most of the time I receive lists of resources, referrals, phone numbers, websites, and suggestions.

    What I do not receive are results.

    I desperately need someone willing to understand my actual circumstances and help create real, concrete solutions.

    I do not need more lists.

    I need advocacy.

    I need a social worker or case manager who can help navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, food security, transportation, and long-term stability.

    I know resources exist.

    I simply cannot seem to access them on my own.

    A Recent Example

    A few months ago, I developed a serious dental problem.

    The pain became so severe that my landlord had to take me to the emergency room simply to obtain antibiotics.

    After extensive effort and repeated requests, I was able to receive an examination and X-rays, only to be referred elsewhere for additional care I could not afford and could not reliably travel to.

    Multiple emails and follow-ups produced little more than apologies and delays.

    This experience reflects a much larger problem:

    Many disabled people are given information about help.

    Far fewer are actually able to obtain that help.

    What I Need Most
    Immediate Needs
    Food and groceries
    Hygiene supplies
    Clothing
    Medical and dental care
    Transportation assistance
    Household necessities
    Relief from immediate financial crisis
    Long-Term Needs
    Stable, permanent housing
    Consistent food security
    Reliable healthcare access
    Advocacy and case management
    A sustainable future with dignity and security

    My greatest need is stability.

    I need a forever home where I can live safely for the rest of my life without constantly fearing homelessness, displacement, or crisis.

    This Is About Dignity

    This is not a request for luxury.

    It is a plea for dignity.

    Poverty is expensive.

    Disability is exhausting.

    Hunger is cruel.

    Isolation is crushing.

    I am trying to survive while my body and mind continue to deteriorate.

    Despite everything, I continue to fight every day.

    I continue to hope.

    I continue to ask for help.

    Financial Needs
    Today's Goal

    $8,455

    Annual Survival Need

    $27,255

    Monthly Survival Need

    $1,500

    Immediate Stabilization Goal

    $25,000

    Long-Term Housing and Security Goal

    $5,000,000

    A stable, accessible, permanent property would not only give me safety and security, but potentially allow me to spend the remainder of my life helping others who struggle as I have.

    How You Can Help
    Donate

    🔗 PayPal:
    paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=…

    💸 Cash App:
    $woctxphotog

    Share

    If you cannot donate, please share this with others.

    Every dollar helps.

    Every share matters.

    Every act of compassion makes a difference.

    Final Words

    I am tired.

    I am hungry.

    I am in pain.

    I am scared of what tomorrow may bring.

    But I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping someone will hear me.

    If you have ever known hardship, loss, fear, hunger, loneliness, disability, or uncertainty, then you know that compassion can mean everything.

    Please help if you can.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    #MutualAid #Disabled #Disability #Poverty #Housing #Health #Healthcare #DentalHealth #FoodInsecurity #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PTSD #Bipolar #Survival #Support #Compassion #Empathy #Aging #Help #Dignity #Rent #Groceries #Hygiene #CommunitySupport #Life

  17. Artemis Plan Analysis?

    I thought a Cargo Starship was pushing Orion to Lunar Orbit, where Orion would dock with the HLS Starship.
    ‘Maybe Angry is right: the Block 3 HLS Starship will push Orion to Lunar Orbit, where the astronauts will transfer…why wouldn’t they transfer to the HLS in high-LEO…?’

    https://youtu.be/fZ8HF5hY4Sw

    I shared my concerns about risking human astronauts onboard unprepared spacecraft in the previous comment. Previously, I pointed out that the risk of top-heavy landers is not as great as Angry makes it out to be.
    ‘But Angry says it is risky, maybe he is right, but I asked AI if the height of any of the previous landers was in any way the cause of the crash…’
    Previously I commented about refueling at higher LEO, but then I thought it would take too much fuel to get the fuel there. Angry talks about boil-off, which I think is an engineering issue that has been or can be reduced.??
    v3 Starship payload is 100t+, and v4 is 200t+, so who knows how much fuel it can take to LEO?

    Bonsai 27B Prompt:
    Pasted transcript: Write a review of the video as an AI Scientist for a futurist.
    @Web Fact-Checking via Google Search: Share insights about the use of billionaire contractors.

    Bonsai Said:
    🚀 AI SCIENTIST REVIEW: Artemis Acceleration Plan Analysis

    ⚠️ CRITICAL FINDING: ARCHITECTURAL PHYSICS VIOLATIONS

    The video presents a detailed technical critique of NASA’s proposed 2028 lunar landing timeline. My analysis confirms the presenter raises substantially valid engineering concerns, though some claims require independent verification against primary sources.

    ✅ Verified Technical Claims:

    1. Delta-V Budget Crisis: The video correctly identifies that Starship cannot execute the original Apollo-style mission profile (launch to NRH, wait for crew, descend to lunar surface, return to NRO) due to insufficient propellant efficiency in deep gravity wells.
    2. Orbital Refueling Bottleneck: The thermodynamic analysis of liquid cryogenic fuel boil-off is accurate. Passive thermal management limits mean weeks of staging with continuous propellant loss (0.5-1% daily), creating a compounding deficit that requires 12+ rapid launches to fill a single depot.
    3. SLS Limitations: The Space Launch System was never designed to deliver Orion directly to low lunar orbit, only to its planned NRH trajectory. Forcing this creates structural inefficiency.
    4. Dynetics Alpaca Superiority: The historical rejection of Dynetics’ Alpaca lander for SpaceX’s top-heavy design is well-documented and represents a clear example of political/business influence overriding engineering best practices.

    ⚠️ Unverified/Overstated Claims Requiring Independent Verification:

    1. Kathy Leers Conflict of Interest: The claim that the HLS contract awarding official left NASA shortly after making the decision is compelling but requires primary source verification (internal memos, congressional testimony).
    2. Blue Moon Maturity Timeline: While Blue Origin’s delayed development is well-documented, specific claims about PDR/CDR status require confirmation against official NASA milestone trackers.
    3. “Elon Musk is lying” about 6-8 refueling flights: This is a strong assertion that should be cross-referenced with SpaceX’s own technical presentations and peer-reviewed orbital mechanics analyses.

    📊 FUTURE PROJECTIONS (2028-2040)

    Near-Term (2028-2031): The 2028 Target

    The video’s skepticism is well-founded from a physics standpoint. However, historical precedent shows NASA can accelerate programs when political will is extreme:

    • Apollo was originally planned for 1963; actual landing was 1969 (6-year delay)
    • Artemis I flew in 2022 despite planning delays of ~4 years

    Verdict: A 2028 target is optimistically aggressive but not impossible if SpaceX achieves its rapid cadence and Blue Origin’s backup plan matures simultaneously. However, the physics gaps are real and require either:

    • Breakthrough in cryogenic storage/refueling technology
    • Additional SLS launch capability
    • Acceptance of a more complex, multi-year staging architecture

    Medium-Term (2031-2040): Moon Base Viability

    The video correctly identifies that corporate-driven timelines create structural instability. However, it misses a critical insight: the 2028 target may actually be a strategic signaling device rather than an engineering commitment.

    Projected trajectory:

    • 2028-2030: LEO-only Artemis 3 mission (as proposed) — achievable with current capabilities
    • 2031-2033: First crewed lunar landing — likely possible but high-risk
    • 2034+: Permanent lunar presence — requires massive infrastructure investment

    🧠 FUTUREURIST ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK

    DimensionCurrent State (2026)Projected Trajectory (2040)Key Risk FactorsHuman PresenceLEO-only missionsLunar surface operationsFunding volatility, political cyclesPropulsion TechnologyMethalox rockets dominantPotential for nuclear thermal/electric hybridsRegulatory hurdles, safety certificationInfrastructureEarth-orbit prototypesPermanent lunar habitatsRadiation, life support, resource extractionGovernanceNASA-led with private partnersLikely multi-stakeholder or internationalJurisdictional conflicts, liability frameworks

    💡 ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTUREPLANNERS

    1. Monitor 2028 Mission Architecture: The LEO-only Artemis 3 design is a testbed for docking and life support integration. Success validates the entire architecture; failure cascades to all future missions.
    2. Track Refueling Milestones: SpaceX’s ability to achieve high-frequency orbital refueling will be the single biggest determinant of whether lunar landings are feasible.
    3. Prepare for Political Cycles: Space programs are highly sensitive to political leadership changes. Build contingency plans for 4-8 year funding cycles.
    4. Diversify Partnership Portfolios: Over-reliance on any single contractor (even SpaceX) creates systemic risk. Maintain qualified backup options.

    📝 CONCLUSION

    The presenter’s critique is primarily valid from an engineering and physics perspective, though some claims require independent verification. The 2028 timeline is optimistically aggressive but not impossible, contingent on SpaceX achieving unprecedented launch cadence and solving refueling bottlenecks.

    For futurists: This video represents a critical inflection point in human spaceflight — where political ambition meets physical reality. The tension between corporate-driven speed and engineering discipline will define the next decade of lunar exploration.

    🏗️ INSIGHTS ON THE USE OF BILLIONAIRE CONTRACTORS

    🔍 Structural Overview

    Billionaire-owned companies and individuals increasingly function as alternative contractors, bypassing traditional procurement systems and creating a parallel contracting ecosystem with distinct characteristics.

    Key Characteristics:

    • Capital-Rich: Access to deep pockets of capital enables rapid prototyping and high-risk experimentation
    • Speed-Oriented: Bypasses traditional procurement cycles (months/years → weeks/months)
    • Vertical Integration: End-to-end control from vision to execution
    • Political Influence: Often maintain significant government relationships

    ⚖️ Evidence-Based Analysis

    Case StudyKey InsightRisk ProfileSpaceX & Unpaid Bills (Fast Company, 2024)$2.5M+ in liens filed by contractors; delayed paymentsHigh financial risk to smaller contractorsAnduril’s Autonomous Development (Forbes, 2022)Builds weapons tech independently without waiting for Pentagon requirementsInverted contracting model — high reward, high riskMercor’s Wage Reductions (Forbes, Nov 2025)Young billionaire co-founders slashed contractor wages by ~33% after project cancellationLabor relations crisis; experience gap concernsLegalist’s Government Contracts (Business Insider, Aug 2025)Received $100M+ in government contracts via Peter Thiel’s fellows networkPolitical dependency creates vulnerability to policy shifts

    📈 Comparative Analysis: Traditional vs. Billionaire Contractors

    FactorTraditional ContractorBillionaire-Owned ContractorFunding SourcePublic/private sector bidsFounder equity/VC backingTimeline PressureProject-driven, risk-mitigatedFounder-driven urgencyRisk AllocationShared with clientsHeavily on founder/companyRegulatory OversightStandard contracting lawsMinimal, novel legal structuresScale ConstraintsLimited by company size/infrastructureLimited only by capitalGovernanceBoard oversight, fiduciary dutiesFounder-centric decision making

    🔮 Future Trajectory (2030-2045)

    1. AI-Augmented Contracting: Machine learning will optimize contractor allocation, predict payment risks, and automate compliance tracking — reducing the “unpaid bills” problem seen in SpaceX cases.
    2. Decentralized Workforce Models: Blockchain-based smart contracts may improve transparency for gig/contractor economies, though regulatory frameworks lag far behind technological capability.
    3. Geopolitical Dependencies: Billionaire contractors handling government contracts will face increased scrutiny as they influence critical infrastructure, defense, and media — creating conflicts of interest that policymakers must address.
    4. Global Supply Chain Reconfiguration: Billionaire-backed tech companies increasingly bypass traditional supply chains entirely, creating new vulnerabilities and opportunities in manufacturing and resource allocation.

    ⚠️ Critical Risks to Monitor

    1. Contractor Exploitation: Unpaid bills, wage reductions, and poor payment practices are emerging patterns that could normalize across industries
    2. Experience Gaps: Young billionaire founders may lack the institutional knowledge required for large-scale project management, leading to catastrophic failures when political cycles shift
    3. Single-Point Dependency: Over-reliance on any single contractor (even SpaceX) creates systemic risk — a lesson learned from the Apollo program and modern government contracting

    📚 Further Reading & Verification Sources

    • Fast Company: “‘We never got paid’: SpaceX contractors call out unpaid bills” (May 2024)
    • Forbes: “Facebook Made This 29-Year-Old Rich; War Made Him A Billionaire” (June 2022) — Anduril analysis
    • Forbes: “The World’s Youngest Self-Made Billionaires Just Slashed These Workers’ Wages by a Third” (Nov 2025)
    • Business Insider: “How DOGE Boosted Legalist’s Government Contracts Business” (Aug 2025)

    🔚 FINAL ASSESSMENT

    YouTube Video: Represents a critical analysis of NASA’s lunar program timeline. The presenter’s physics-based critique is largely accurate, though some specific claims require independent verification. This video captures a pivotal moment where political ambition meets engineering reality in the space race.

    Billionaire Contractors: Represent an emerging parallel contracting ecosystem with distinct characteristics — faster but riskier, more innovative but potentially exploitative. The trend suggests that future infrastructure development will increasingly be driven by billionaire-backed entities rather than traditional contractors, creating both opportunity and vulnerability in global systems.

    #Artemis #Contractors #Spacex #Starship #ANGRYASTRONUAT #AstroAngry #TheAngryAstronaut #moon #NASA #news #science #space #spacex #technology
  18. #ClimateCrisis #animals

    "How Chemicals and Climate Change Threaten Fertility Across Species

    Across the globe, a quiet but profound crisis is unfolding in the bodies of humans and wildlife alike. A growing body of research is showing that toxic chemicals and climate change are not only separate threats. They are working together in ways that undermine fertility across species, with implications that reach far beyond individual health. A recent review in NPJ Emerging Contaminants pulls these threads together, highlighting how exposure to synthetic chemicals, many of them endocrine disrupting chemicals, intersects with rising temperatures and other climate impacts to put reproduction at risk.

    The review describes a world where animals, from insects to humans, live in a constant state of simultaneous exposure. Synthetic chemicals are present in air, water, soil, and food. At the same time, climate change is driving higher temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and more extreme weather. This combined pressure creates a difficult environment for reproduction, one of the most sensitive and essential biological processes. The authors note that these stressors are not rare or isolated. They form the daily backdrop of life for countless species.

    One of the most striking aspects of the research is how similar the effects appear across very different forms of life. Whether looking at fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, or humans, the review reports consistent patterns of harm to eggs and sperm. Fertility can decline, reproductive cycles can shift, and the delicate coordination of hormones that underpins reproduction can falter. These endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, interfere with normal hormone function and can derail development and reproduction even at very low levels of exposure."

    theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/

  19. Help Is Urgently Needed!

    #Disability #Poverty #Aging #Health
    🚨 URGENT HELP NEEDED TODAY 🚨

    I am a 48-year-old disabled man living in poverty, and I am struggling to survive.

    Every day is a battle against constant pain, sleepless nights, hunger, declining health, worsening vision, vertigo, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and the harsh reality that my disability income does not come close to covering the cost of living.

    I face impossible choices every day:

    Food or hygiene.
    Medication or necessities.
    Survival today or survival tomorrow.

    I have no safety net. No financial cushion. No family support. No meaningful support system.

    I am asking for help because I genuinely do not know how much longer I can continue carrying this burden alone.

    My Reality

    I live solely on SSDI.

    I have no health insurance.

    I do not drive.

    I live in a rural area with no public transportation, meaning everything I need must be delivered or depend on finding someone willing and able to help.

    My housing situation is unstable. Part of my rent is paid through helping maintain the property where I live, but my disabilities and declining health are making even those responsibilities increasingly difficult.

    I am aging in poverty, and every year brings new physical limitations, more pain, and greater uncertainty.

    I am not getting better.

    I am getting worse.

    My Health Is Declining

    My days are consumed by:

    Chronic pain
    Exhaustion
    High blood pressure fluctuations
    Vertigo and dizziness
    Poor mobility
    Knee, hip, ankle, and joint pain
    Numbness and weakness in my hands
    Cognitive and executive functioning decline
    Vision problems and light sensitivity
    Dental issues
    Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder

    Some days my vision becomes a fuzzy blur. Bright light hurts. Low light makes basic tasks difficult.

    If I sit too long, my joints lock up.

    If I stand too long, my legs burn and stiffen.

    If I lie down, pain spreads throughout my body.

    Simple daily activities that most people take for granted are becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

    Why I Am Reaching Out

    I am exhausted.

    Physically.

    Mentally.

    Emotionally.

    Spiritually.

    I have spent years contacting organizations, charities, government agencies, advocacy programs, nonprofits, and anyone I could think of for help.

    Most of the time I receive lists of resources, referrals, phone numbers, websites, and suggestions.

    What I do not receive are results.

    I desperately need someone willing to understand my actual circumstances and help create real, concrete solutions.

    I do not need more lists.

    I need advocacy.

    I need a social worker or case manager who can help navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, food security, transportation, and long-term stability.

    I know resources exist.

    I simply cannot seem to access them on my own.

    A Recent Example

    A few months ago, I developed a serious dental problem.

    The pain became so severe that my landlord had to take me to the emergency room simply to obtain antibiotics.

    After extensive effort and repeated requests, I was able to receive an examination and X-rays, only to be referred elsewhere for additional care I could not afford and could not reliably travel to.

    Multiple emails and follow-ups produced little more than apologies and delays.

    This experience reflects a much larger problem:

    Many disabled people are given information about help.

    Far fewer are actually able to obtain that help.

    What I Need Most
    Immediate Needs
    Food and groceries
    Hygiene supplies
    Clothing
    Medical and dental care
    Transportation assistance
    Household necessities
    Relief from immediate financial crisis
    Long-Term Needs
    Stable, permanent housing
    Consistent food security
    Reliable healthcare access
    Advocacy and case management
    A sustainable future with dignity and security

    My greatest need is stability.

    I need a forever home where I can live safely for the rest of my life without constantly fearing homelessness, displacement, or crisis.

    This Is About Dignity

    This is not a request for luxury.

    It is a plea for dignity.

    Poverty is expensive.

    Disability is exhausting.

    Hunger is cruel.

    Isolation is crushing.

    I am trying to survive while my body and mind continue to deteriorate.

    Despite everything, I continue to fight every day.

    I continue to hope.

    I continue to ask for help.

    Financial Needs
    Today's Goal

    $8,455

    Annual Survival Need

    $27,255

    Monthly Survival Need

    $1,500

    Immediate Stabilization Goal

    $25,000

    Long-Term Housing and Security Goal

    $5,000,000

    A stable, accessible, permanent property would not only give me safety and security, but potentially allow me to spend the remainder of my life helping others who struggle as I have.

    How You Can Help
    Donate

    🔗 PayPal:
    paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=…

    💸 Cash App:
    $woctxphotog

    Share

    If you cannot donate, please share this with others.

    Every dollar helps.

    Every share matters.

    Every act of compassion makes a difference.

    Final Words

    I am tired.

    I am hungry.

    I am in pain.

    I am scared of what tomorrow may bring.

    But I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping someone will hear me.

    If you have ever known hardship, loss, fear, hunger, loneliness, disability, or uncertainty, then you know that compassion can mean everything.

    Please help if you can.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    #MutualAid #Disabled #Disability #Poverty #Housing #Health #Healthcare #DentalHealth #FoodInsecurity #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PTSD #Bipolar #Survival #Support #Compassion #Empathy #Aging #Help #Dignity #Rent #Groceries #Hygiene #CommunitySupport #Life

  20. Help Today Sure Would Be A True Blessing;

    #Disability #Poverty #Aging #Health
    🚨 URGENT HELP NEEDED TODAY 🚨

    I am a 48-year-old disabled man living in poverty, and I am struggling to survive.

    Every day is a battle against constant pain, sleepless nights, hunger, declining health, worsening vision, vertigo, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and the harsh reality that my disability income does not come close to covering the cost of living.

    I face impossible choices every day:

    Food or hygiene.
    Medication or necessities.
    Survival today or survival tomorrow.

    I have no safety net. No financial cushion. No family support. No meaningful support system.

    I am asking for help because I genuinely do not know how much longer I can continue carrying this burden alone.

    My Reality

    I live solely on SSDI.

    I have no health insurance.

    I do not drive.

    I live in a rural area with no public transportation, meaning everything I need must be delivered or depend on finding someone willing and able to help.

    My housing situation is unstable. Part of my rent is paid through helping maintain the property where I live, but my disabilities and declining health are making even those responsibilities increasingly difficult.

    I am aging in poverty, and every year brings new physical limitations, more pain, and greater uncertainty.

    I am not getting better.

    I am getting worse.

    My Health Is Declining

    My days are consumed by:

    Chronic pain
    Exhaustion
    High blood pressure fluctuations
    Vertigo and dizziness
    Poor mobility
    Knee, hip, ankle, and joint pain
    Numbness and weakness in my hands
    Cognitive and executive functioning decline
    Vision problems and light sensitivity
    Dental issues
    Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder

    Some days my vision becomes a fuzzy blur. Bright light hurts. Low light makes basic tasks difficult.

    If I sit too long, my joints lock up.

    If I stand too long, my legs burn and stiffen.

    If I lie down, pain spreads throughout my body.

    Simple daily activities that most people take for granted are becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

    Why I Am Reaching Out

    I am exhausted.

    Physically.

    Mentally.

    Emotionally.

    Spiritually.

    I have spent years contacting organizations, charities, government agencies, advocacy programs, nonprofits, and anyone I could think of for help.

    Most of the time I receive lists of resources, referrals, phone numbers, websites, and suggestions.

    What I do not receive are results.

    I desperately need someone willing to understand my actual circumstances and help create real, concrete solutions.

    I do not need more lists.

    I need advocacy.

    I need a social worker or case manager who can help navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, food security, transportation, and long-term stability.

    I know resources exist.

    I simply cannot seem to access them on my own.

    A Recent Example

    A few months ago, I developed a serious dental problem.

    The pain became so severe that my landlord had to take me to the emergency room simply to obtain antibiotics.

    After extensive effort and repeated requests, I was able to receive an examination and X-rays, only to be referred elsewhere for additional care I could not afford and could not reliably travel to.

    Multiple emails and follow-ups produced little more than apologies and delays.

    This experience reflects a much larger problem:

    Many disabled people are given information about help.

    Far fewer are actually able to obtain that help.

    What I Need Most
    Immediate Needs
    Food and groceries
    Hygiene supplies
    Clothing
    Medical and dental care
    Transportation assistance
    Household necessities
    Relief from immediate financial crisis
    Long-Term Needs
    Stable, permanent housing
    Consistent food security
    Reliable healthcare access
    Advocacy and case management
    A sustainable future with dignity and security

    My greatest need is stability.

    I need a forever home where I can live safely for the rest of my life without constantly fearing homelessness, displacement, or crisis.

    This Is About Dignity

    This is not a request for luxury.

    It is a plea for dignity.

    Poverty is expensive.

    Disability is exhausting.

    Hunger is cruel.

    Isolation is crushing.

    I am trying to survive while my body and mind continue to deteriorate.

    Despite everything, I continue to fight every day.

    I continue to hope.

    I continue to ask for help.

    Financial Needs
    Today's Goal

    $8,455

    Annual Survival Need

    $27,255

    Monthly Survival Need

    $1,500

    Immediate Stabilization Goal

    $25,000

    Long-Term Housing and Security Goal

    $5,000,000

    A stable, accessible, permanent property would not only give me safety and security, but potentially allow me to spend the remainder of my life helping others who struggle as I have.

    How You Can Help
    Donate

    🔗 PayPal:
    paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=…

    💸 Cash App:
    $woctxphotog

    Share

    If you cannot donate, please share this with others.

    Every dollar helps.

    Every share matters.

    Every act of compassion makes a difference.

    Final Words

    I am tired.

    I am hungry.

    I am in pain.

    I am scared of what tomorrow may bring.

    But I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping someone will hear me.

    If you have ever known hardship, loss, fear, hunger, loneliness, disability, or uncertainty, then you know that compassion can mean everything.

    Please help if you can.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    #MutualAid #Disabled #Disability #Poverty #Housing #Health #Healthcare #DentalHealth #FoodInsecurity #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PTSD #Bipolar #Survival #Support #Compassion #Empathy #Aging #Help #Dignity #Rent #Groceries #Hygiene #CommunitySupport #Life

  21. DATE: October 26, 2026 at 09:00AM
    SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

    ** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
    -------------------------------------------------

    TITLE: Playing video games with trusted friends may reduce addiction risks

    URL: psypost.org/playing-video-game

    Video game developers constantly look for ways to keep players returning to their games without fostering unhealthy behavioral dependencies. Recent research published in Computers in Human Behavior reveals that playing video games with a trusted, familiar group of people can build player loyalty while simultaneously reducing the risk of video game addiction. These findings suggest that the social environment within a digital game plays a powerful role in determining whether a gaming habit remains a healthy pastime or becomes a psychological burden.

    The video game industry faces a persistent tension between business goals and social responsibility. Companies rely on player loyalty, which describes a gamer’s intention to keep playing and recommending a specific game to others. At the same time, the industry faces scrutiny over video game addiction, a clinical syndrome characterized by a loss of control over gaming habits despite negative consequences in daily life.

    Past studies have identified factors that contribute to addiction, such as social isolation, and factors that boost loyalty, like customized digital avatars. Few researchers have investigated how specific social dynamics inside a game might influence both outcomes at the same time. A team of researchers led by Shih-I Tai, a management scholar at Chang Gung University in Taiwan, wanted to find out if specific types of group interactions could help secure a player’s devotion to a game without pushing them toward maladaptive behavior.

    To understand how the social environment alters a player’s mental state, the researchers looked at two established psychological frameworks. The first is the pleasure-arousal theory, which separates emotions into two dimensions. One dimension tracks how pleasant an experience feels, while the other tracks how much it stimulates or arouses the person.

    The second framework is brain reward circuitry theory. This theory suggests that pleasure and arousal activate entirely different neural pathways in the human brain. According to these frameworks, feelings of comfort, harmony, and contentment increase pleasure but lower physical and emotional arousal.

    In contrast, surprises and intense excitement boost both pleasure and arousal at the same time. The research team hypothesized that high pleasure encourages players to return to a game, building long-term loyalty. High arousal provides the intense neurological reinforcement that can lead to addiction.

    To test these ideas, the researchers conducted an online survey of 884 video game players in Taiwan. The participants answered detailed questions about their gaming habits over the previous month. The respondents nominated a game they had played recently, which frequently included games where massive numbers of players assume fictional roles and interact in a shared digital world.

    The research team ensured the reliability of their data by excluding responses from participants under the age of 18 or people who reported impossible play times. The survey measured four distinct aspects of the gaming experience. The researchers asked players about the size of their usual gaming group and how many of those group members they knew in the real world.

    They also asked participants to rate their level of trust in their fellow group members. Finally, the survey assessed game escapism, which measures the extent to which players use the game to actively avoid stress from their everyday lives.

    The researchers then compared these four factors against self-reported measures of game loyalty and game addiction. They analyzed the data using structural equation modeling, a statistical technique that helps identify relationships among multiple variables. The results showed that different social elements influenced players in entirely distinct ways.

    When looking at the size of a player’s gaming group, the data showed a positive link to game loyalty. Players who routinely gamed with larger groups were more likely to report intentions to keep playing and recommending the game to others. However, group size was not statistically significant in relation to game addiction.

    The researchers suspect that larger groups provide more social connections that make the game enjoyable, satisfying the pleasure dimension. At the same time, massive groups often introduce repetitive interactions or toxic behavior that dampen the intense overall excitement needed to form a dependency.

    The findings regarding real-world familiarity showed a different pattern. Knowing fellow players in the real world was not statistically significant when predicting a player’s loyalty to a game. It did correspond with lower levels of game addiction.

    The researchers propose that when gamers play with real-world acquaintances, those friends might occasionally remind them of outside responsibilities. This social grounding breaks the immersive spell of the game and lowers the intense emotional arousal that drives compulsive play.

    Trust among group members proved to be the most beneficial social factor. High levels of trust within a gaming group corresponded with both increased game loyalty and decreased game addiction. Engaging with honest and reliable peers likely provides a comforting, highly pleasant experience that makes players want to return.

    This same comfort and harmony create a relaxed state of mind. Trusting one’s peers reduces the high-stakes anxiety and arousal typically associated with addictive behavior. If a player trusts their group to act in their best interest, they receive social support that helps maintain a healthy balance between gaming and life.

    In contrast to the protective social factors, game escapism had a dual effect. Using games to flee real-world stress strongly predicted higher game loyalty, as the temporary relief provided a rewarding experience. Yet escapism also strongly predicted higher levels of game addiction. Fleeing reality into a digital space immerses the player intensely, heightening the emotional arousal that stimulates the brain’s reward centers in a maladaptive way.

    While the data offer insights into player behavior, the study relies on survey responses rather than direct observations. The researchers measured self-reported habits and feelings at a single point in time, meaning the results highlight associations rather than a strict cause-and-effect relationship. It is possible that players who are already less prone to addiction are simply more inclined to build trusting relationships with their peers.

    The researchers used psychological theories regarding brain activity to interpret their findings, but they did not conduct medical brain scans or directly measure the participants’ physiological arousal and pleasure. Future studies could incorporate clinical monitoring tools, such as electroencephalograms, to verify exactly how these social interactions alter brain activity in real time.

    Additionally, the survey was conducted entirely in Taiwan, which means the findings might be influenced by local cultural norms regarding socializing and technology use. Expanding this research to include gamers in different countries could reveal whether the protective effects of trust and real-world familiarity remain consistent across diverse cultural backgrounds.

    The study, “The ties that (healthily) bind: Playing in groups increases game loyalty but decrease addiction,” was authored by Shih-I Tai, Thi Tuan Linh Pham, Tzu-Ling Huang, Alexander S. Dennis, Chun-Hao Liu, Gen-Yih Liao, and Ching-I Teng.

    URL: psypost.org/playing-video-game

    -------------------------------------------------

    Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

    Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

    -------------------------------------------------

    #psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #Gaming #VideoGames #GamingCommunity #GamingFriends #HealthyGaming #MentalHealth #GameAddiction #SocialGaming #PlayerWellbeing #GamingResearch

  22. HOA Antenna Rules: Why Hams Want a Change

    Ham radio groups want more room for home antennas. An HOA group wants boards to keep more control. Here’s what the debate means for your shack.

    You have the rig. You have your license. Now you need a place to put the antenna.

    For hams who live in a homeowners association, or HOA, that last step can be tough. HOA antenna restrictions can limit what you put up, where it goes, or whether you can have an outdoor antenna at all.

    A proposed law called the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act aims to help. Its two bills are H.R. 1094 in the House and S. 459 in the Senate. ARRL backs the effort. The Community Associations Institute, or CAI, opposes it.

    Why is this back in the news?

    Amateur Radio Daily covered the issue on October 21. It pointed to a September 21 statement from CAI about its plans for meetings with Congress.

    CAI wants lawmakers to oppose both bills. It says the plan would limit an HOA’s power to require approval before a ham puts up an antenna. That is CAI’s view. It does not mean every HOA board agrees.

    This news is about groups trying to shape a law. It does not report a new vote or give hams new antenna rights.

    Doesn’t an FCC license protect my antenna?

    This is where many hams get stuck. Town rules and private property rules are two different things.

    As ARRL explains in its PRB-1 guide, the FCC’s PRB-1 policy requires local governments to make reasonable room for ham radio. Towns may still have rules about height, safety, and how an antenna looks.

    But PRB-1 does not cover private deed limits, often called covenants or CC&Rs. An HOA rule can be a separate hurdle, even when the town allows your antenna. That gap helps explain why hams are asking Congress for a change.

    What would the bills do?

    The House bill’s proposed text would limit private rules that block or hinder ham antennas on property under the ham’s control.

    It would also change the approval process. Here are a few parts of the House proposal:

    • Some antennas would not need prior approval. These include thin, low-profile wire antennas and certain flagpole and vertical antennas up to 43 feet tall.
    • When an application is needed, no answer within 45 days would count as approval.
    • Rules for safe structures and building codes would still apply.

    The text would also limit how much detail an HOA could demand in an antenna application. After approval, it would generally bar another approval demand unless the antenna’s size or structural strength changed in a major way.

    These are parts of a proposed law. They are not a go-ahead to put up an antenna today.

    Why is the approval issue such a big deal?

    CAI’s stated concern is the loss of control over prior approval. Hams seeking relief want a clear path to an antenna they can use. The bill would set limits on how private rules could stand in that path.

    For example, picture a ham who wants a thin wire in the back yard. An approval process can answer questions about its location and supports. But if that process has no clear end, the ham may be left waiting with a silent station. The proposed 45-day rule is meant to put a clock on that wait.

    That example shows the practical tension. A board wants a say before work starts. The operator wants that review to lead to a fair, timely answer.

    Why do hams care?

    A good rig still needs an antenna that can get a signal out. Strict rules can leave a ham with few choices, even for a small or hidden antenna.

    In its call for support, ARRL says these rules hurt both everyday ham radio and emergency work. A home station needs a useful antenna before trouble starts.

    For many of us, the goal is simple: work a few stations, check into a net, and keep the station ready to help.

    Could a stealth antenna help?

    A stealth antenna blends in with your home or yard. It may be worth a look if your HOA allows a low-profile setup.

    A flagpole can do double duty as an antenna. A thin wire along the roofline may be hard to spot. A small inverted-L goes up, then across, to use the space you have.

    My guide, How to Plan a Stealth HF Antenna for a Small Yard, explains all three options. It covers how to measure your space, plan the wire and coax runs, and test the setup. Start with a design that fits the bands you want to work.

    Stealth does not mean rule-free. Check your HOA rules and get any needed approval before you buy parts or hang wire. The aim is to keep the antenna less visible while following the rules.

    Give your antenna plan a fair chance

    If your HOA has an approval path, make your plan easy to understand. A clear sketch can do more than a page full of radio terms. Show where the antenna will go, how tall it will be, and where the coax will run.

    • Start with one goal. A wire for a favorite HF band may be easier to plan than a setup meant to cover every band.
    • Show the whole job. Include supports, mounting points, and any ground wires the design needs.
    • Explain the view. Photos or a simple drawing can show what neighbors would see.
    • Keep a paper trail. Save the rules, your application, and written replies. Ask which rule applies if the board says no.

    These steps cannot promise approval. They can help both sides discuss the same plan and avoid confusion.

    What can you do now?

    Read your HOA’s rules before you change your station. If you have a dispute, get help from someone who knows the rules that apply to your home.

    To follow the bills, check the official pages for H.R. 1094 and S. 459. To learn how to support the effort, visit ARRL’s HOA action page.

    Hams want a fair chance to get on the air from home. This debate is about how much say an HOA should have over the antenna that makes that possible.

    Follow Me on Mastodon

    #amateurRadio #AmateurRadioEmergencyPreparednessAct #antennaRights #arrl #HR1094 #HamRadio #HOAAntennaRestrictions #PRB1 #S459 #stealthAntennas
  23. DATE: October 26, 2026 at 07:00AM
    SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

    ** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
    -------------------------------------------------

    TITLE: Political endorsements by scientific journals reduce public trust in research

    URL: psypost.org/political-endorsem

    When scientific journals publicly endorse political candidates, they risk lowering public trust in the scientific community, particularly among moderate and conservative Americans. These endorsements cause measurable declines in how people view the impartiality and societal value of science, though they do not appear to change whether people are willing to follow practical scientific advice. The findings were recently published in the journal Group Processes & Intergroup Relations.

    Public trust in scientific institutions is an important factor in shaping how society responds to global challenges like pandemics and climate change. Historically, scientific organizations have sought to maintain an apolitical stance to preserve their reputation as objective arbiters of fact. In recent years, several high-profile scientific journals have broken from this precedent. Editors at these publications have published pieces endorsing Democratic presidential candidates or strongly criticizing Republican candidates, often framing these stances as necessary defenses of scientific integrity. Researchers wanted to understand how these explicit political stances affect how the American public views the scientific enterprise as a whole.

    Stylianos Syropoulos, Kyle Fiore Law, and their colleagues set out to examine this phenomenon through the psychological framework of motivated reasoning. Motivated reasoning is the human tendency to process information in a way that confirms existing beliefs and political identities. When individuals encounter statements that conflict with their political views, they often scrutinize or reject the source of that information.

    The research team suspected that political endorsements from scientific journals might trigger this psychological mechanism. They hypothesized that people who identify as moderate or conservative might question the objectivity of science after reading endorsements that clash with their political leanings.

    To capture a complete picture, the researchers evaluated trust not as a single concept, but as a collection of distinct dimensions. These dimensions include perceived ability, which is the competence of scientists to provide accurate information. They also looked at integrity, which involves the belief that science is impartial and objective. Benevolence measures the perception that science serves the public good and lacks hidden agendas. Finally, behavioral trust reflects whether people are actually willing to follow scientific recommendations in their daily lives, such as adhering to public health guidelines.

    In the first experiment, conducted shortly before the 2020 presidential election, researchers recruited a large sample of 3,081 participants online. They randomly assigned these participants to read one of two types of texts regarding prominent scientific publications, such as Science, The Lancet, or Scientific American. The control group read a brief, neutral description of the journal’s history and mission formatted like a news wire article.

    The treatment group read the same background information, but with an added excerpt from an actual editorial published by the journal that endorsed Joe Biden or criticized Donald Trump. Following the reading, participants answered a series of questions measuring their trust in science and their intentions to comply with health guidelines.

    The researchers found that reading the political endorsements caused a measurable drop in general trust in scientific institutions. Participants in the treatment group were more likely to report that science lacks impartiality, pointing to a decline in perceived integrity. This effect was largely driven by politically moderate and conservative individuals, who exhibited lower trust after exposure to the endorsements.

    Among conservatives, the treatment also increased belief in conspiracy theories about science and the origins of the coronavirus, indicating a drop in perceived benevolence. However, the endorsements did not yield a statistically significant effect on behavioral trust. Participants exposed to the political messaging remained just as willing to follow practical public health recommendations as those in the control group.

    To see if these results would hold up under different conditions, the researchers conducted a second experiment days before the November 2020 election. They recruited a sample of 1,056 participants, matched to national demographic quotas for age, gender, and ethnicity. The experimental setup mirrored the first study, with participants randomly assigned to read either neutral background text or a political endorsement from a scientific journal.

    The results replicated the core findings of the first experiment. Exposure to the political messaging reduced general trust in science and increased the belief that science is biased, again driven by moderate and conservative participants. In this iteration, the treatment group also reported a lower likelihood of using scientific sources for coronavirus updates, which suggests a decline in perceived scientific ability or competence.

    Just as in the first study, the political endorsements had no statistically significant impact on people’s willingness to comply with practical safety guidelines. The messaging also did not alter belief in conspiracy theories for this specific group.

    A third experiment took place four years later, surrounding the 2024 presidential election. The research team recruited a large sample of 2,144 participants to read material from Scientific American, Nature, or The Economist. The Economist was included because it frequently covers science and technology for a broad audience. As before, participants read either neutral background descriptions or actual published editorials endorsing Kamala Harris or criticizing Donald Trump.

    Because the pandemic was no longer a central issue during this later study, the researchers removed questions about the coronavirus. They added new measures to evaluate general perceptions of scientific objectivity and societal usefulness.

    The results from the 2024 election cycle aligned closely with the 2020 data. Reading the political endorsements decreased general trust in science and increased the belief that personal and political values govern scientific research. Participants in the treatment group also reported lower confidence in the idea that science is objective and useful for society. Once again, the declines in general trust and perceived integrity were most pronounced among moderate and conservative respondents.

    The study relies entirely on real-world editorials that endorsed Democratic candidates or criticized Republican ones. Because the researchers used actual published materials to ensure their experiment mirrored reality, they did not test how left-leaning individuals might react to a major scientific journal endorsing a conservative candidate. It remains unknown if political liberals would exhibit the same motivated reasoning and subsequent loss of trust if faced with scientific endorsements that opposed their own political identities.

    The researchers note that while explicit political endorsements carry reputational costs, complete silence from the scientific community on policy matters might also negatively affect public perception. Choosing not to address political rhetoric that directly targets scientific funding or spreads false information could be viewed as a failure to defend the scientific enterprise. Future research will need to explore how scientific organizations can correct falsehoods or advocate for evidence-based policies without appearing overly partisan. Finding the right balance will help institutions maintain their legitimacy across the entire political spectrum.

    The study, “Presidential candidate endorsements by scientific journals decrease trust in science especially for moderate and conservative Americans,” was authored by Stylianos Syropoulos, Kyle Fiore Law, Crystal Li, Bernhard Leidner, and Kevin L. Young.

    URL: psypost.org/political-endorsem

    -------------------------------------------------

    Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

    Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot

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    #psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #Science #ScientificResearch #PublicTrust #PoliticalEndorsements #ScienceCommunication #Research #Politics #MediaLiteracy #EvidenceBased #PublicHealth

  24. I’m building EatNeat, a mobile app that helps people turn a nutrition plan into a manageable routine—before “What should I eat?” takes over the evening.

    A lot of meal-planning tools focus on creating a plan. I’m focused on what comes after: remembering it, finding something practical when hunger clocks in, and tracking what you ate without turning dinner into a spreadsheet assignment.

    EatNeat is still a prototype. Here’s what’s working, what I’m figuring out, and how the mascot Bitey provides moral support.

    The core loop


    The app is organized around a simple cycle:

    1. Create a meal plan or bring in an existing one.
    2. See the day’s meals and get reminders at their scheduled times.
    3. Browse meal ideas that match selected constraints.
    4. Capture or mark a meal as eaten.
    5. Review progress over the day and across recent days.

    The Today screen brings schedule and progress together. Meals can be marked eaten when their scheduled time arrives, and progress includes estimated nutrition metrics. The user stays in control; the app helps without handing out gold stars for lunch.

    AI as a helper, not the whole app

    EatNeat has AI-assisted flows for personalized plans, meal recommendations, recipes, and optional photos. Requests include selected filters and nutrition targets. Practical constraints are requirements: an “under 15 minutes” meal can’t hide a 40-minute oven step, and equipment filters should match the actual cooking method.

    Food photos are optional and handled separately from meal text. Without a photo, the meal still appears with a bundled animation or illustration. The recipe shouldn’t vanish because its glamour shot is late.

    The app can call configured service endpoints. During local development, some AI flows can call Gemini directly with a development environment key. A production app should route requests through an authenticated server and keep provider keys off the client.

    AI nutrition values are estimates. EatNeat is not a medical tool, and the prototype does not treat a missed meal as a failure or make clinical recommendations.

    Local-first state and reminders


    Plans and meal logs are stored on-device with AsyncStorage. Writes are debounced and serialized, and local notifications remind users at planned meal times—because remembering breakfast shouldn’t require remembering to remember breakfast.

    Private meal-log photos stay on-device. If a user uploads a plan photo for parsing, it goes to the configured plan-reading service, with that made clear before upload.

    The stack


    The current app uses:

    • Expo and React Native for the mobile app
    • Expo Router for file-based navigation
    • TypeScript for app screens, state, services, and UI components
    • React Native Paper for a small set of interface components
    • Reanimated for navigation and interface motion
    • AsyncStorage for local plan and log persistence
    • Expo Notifications for scheduled meal reminders


    What is still a prototype


    The accountability feed displays sample posts and does not publish to a social service. Some preview screens use illustrative nutrition data. The app doesn’t ship a backend, so server-based AI features need a configured endpoint. For now, the social circle is supportive and fictional.

    I’m also breaking larger screens into focused components. The Today screen’s progress visualization and schedule calculations now live outside its route file, making the daily flow easier to evolve.

    What I’m learning


    The most useful decision so far: keep the basic habit loop independent of AI. Meal ideas work without generated photos; logging works without image analysis; plans can be reviewed when a service is down. A flaky model shouldn’t get veto power over lunch.

    AI can add convenience, but a slow request or missing key shouldn’t block the everyday action. The meal still exists even if the pixels don’t.

    EatNeat is under active development. I’m currently refining the meal flow, reminders, and progress UI while building toward a more complete, privacy-conscious backend.

    If you’re building a habit-focused app, I’d love to hear how you decide which parts should depend on AI and which should keep working on their own.#buildinpublic #mobile #showdev #software #coding #development #engineering #inclusive #community
    # Building EatNeat: Meal Plans, Gentle Reminders, and a Supportive Mascot

  25. #Disability #Poverty #Aging #Health
    🚨 URGENT HELP NEEDED TODAY 🚨

    I am a 48-year-old disabled man living in poverty, and I am struggling to survive.

    Every day is a battle against constant pain, sleepless nights, hunger, declining health, worsening vision, vertigo, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and the harsh reality that my disability income does not come close to covering the cost of living.

    I face impossible choices every day:

    Food or hygiene.
    Medication or necessities.
    Survival today or survival tomorrow.

    I have no safety net. No financial cushion. No family support. No meaningful support system.

    I am asking for help because I genuinely do not know how much longer I can continue carrying this burden alone.

    My Reality

    I live solely on SSDI.

    I have no health insurance.

    I do not drive.

    I live in a rural area with no public transportation, meaning everything I need must be delivered or depend on finding someone willing and able to help.

    My housing situation is unstable. Part of my rent is paid through helping maintain the property where I live, but my disabilities and declining health are making even those responsibilities increasingly difficult.

    I am aging in poverty, and every year brings new physical limitations, more pain, and greater uncertainty.

    I am not getting better.

    I am getting worse.

    My Health Is Declining

    My days are consumed by:

    Chronic pain
    Exhaustion
    High blood pressure fluctuations
    Vertigo and dizziness
    Poor mobility
    Knee, hip, ankle, and joint pain
    Numbness and weakness in my hands
    Cognitive and executive functioning decline
    Vision problems and light sensitivity
    Dental issues
    Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder

    Some days my vision becomes a fuzzy blur. Bright light hurts. Low light makes basic tasks difficult.

    If I sit too long, my joints lock up.

    If I stand too long, my legs burn and stiffen.

    If I lie down, pain spreads throughout my body.

    Simple daily activities that most people take for granted are becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

    Why I Am Reaching Out

    I am exhausted.

    Physically.

    Mentally.

    Emotionally.

    Spiritually.

    I have spent years contacting organizations, charities, government agencies, advocacy programs, nonprofits, and anyone I could think of for help.

    Most of the time I receive lists of resources, referrals, phone numbers, websites, and suggestions.

    What I do not receive are results.

    I desperately need someone willing to understand my actual circumstances and help create real, concrete solutions.

    I do not need more lists.

    I need advocacy.

    I need a social worker or case manager who can help navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, food security, transportation, and long-term stability.

    I know resources exist.

    I simply cannot seem to access them on my own.

    A Recent Example

    A few months ago, I developed a serious dental problem.

    The pain became so severe that my landlord had to take me to the emergency room simply to obtain antibiotics.

    After extensive effort and repeated requests, I was able to receive an examination and X-rays, only to be referred elsewhere for additional care I could not afford and could not reliably travel to.

    Multiple emails and follow-ups produced little more than apologies and delays.

    This experience reflects a much larger problem:

    Many disabled people are given information about help.

    Far fewer are actually able to obtain that help.

    What I Need Most
    Immediate Needs
    Food and groceries
    Hygiene supplies
    Clothing
    Medical and dental care
    Transportation assistance
    Household necessities
    Relief from immediate financial crisis
    Long-Term Needs
    Stable, permanent housing
    Consistent food security
    Reliable healthcare access
    Advocacy and case management
    A sustainable future with dignity and security

    My greatest need is stability.

    I need a forever home where I can live safely for the rest of my life without constantly fearing homelessness, displacement, or crisis.

    This Is About Dignity

    This is not a request for luxury.

    It is a plea for dignity.

    Poverty is expensive.

    Disability is exhausting.

    Hunger is cruel.

    Isolation is crushing.

    I am trying to survive while my body and mind continue to deteriorate.

    Despite everything, I continue to fight every day.

    I continue to hope.

    I continue to ask for help.

    Financial Needs
    Today's Goal

    $8,455

    Annual Survival Need

    $27,255

    Monthly Survival Need

    $1,500

    Immediate Stabilization Goal

    $25,000

    Long-Term Housing and Security Goal

    $5,000,000

    A stable, accessible, permanent property would not only give me safety and security, but potentially allow me to spend the remainder of my life helping others who struggle as I have.

    How You Can Help
    Donate

    🔗 PayPal:
    paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=…

    💸 Cash App:
    $woctxphotog

    Share

    If you cannot donate, please share this with others.

    Every dollar helps.

    Every share matters.

    Every act of compassion makes a difference.

    Final Words

    I am tired.

    I am hungry.

    I am in pain.

    I am scared of what tomorrow may bring.

    But I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping someone will hear me.

    If you have ever known hardship, loss, fear, hunger, loneliness, disability, or uncertainty, then you know that compassion can mean everything.

    Please help if you can.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    #MutualAid #Disabled #Disability #Poverty #Housing #Health #Healthcare #DentalHealth #FoodInsecurity #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PTSD #Bipolar #Survival #Support #Compassion #Empathy #Aging #Help #Dignity #Rent #Groceries #Hygiene #CommunitySupport #Life

  26. A Little Humanity And Compassion, Could Really Improve Someone's Day;

    #Disability #Poverty #Aging #Health
    🚨 URGENT HELP NEEDED TODAY 🚨

    I am a 48-year-old disabled man living in poverty, and I am struggling to survive.

    Every day is a battle against constant pain, sleepless nights, hunger, declining health, worsening vision, vertigo, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and the harsh reality that my disability income does not come close to covering the cost of living.

    I face impossible choices every day:

    Food or hygiene.
    Medication or necessities.
    Survival today or survival tomorrow.

    I have no safety net. No financial cushion. No family support. No meaningful support system.

    I am asking for help because I genuinely do not know how much longer I can continue carrying this burden alone.

    My Reality

    I live solely on SSDI.

    I have no health insurance.

    I do not drive.

    I live in a rural area with no public transportation, meaning everything I need must be delivered or depend on finding someone willing and able to help.

    My housing situation is unstable. Part of my rent is paid through helping maintain the property where I live, but my disabilities and declining health are making even those responsibilities increasingly difficult.

    I am aging in poverty, and every year brings new physical limitations, more pain, and greater uncertainty.

    I am not getting better.

    I am getting worse.

    My Health Is Declining

    My days are consumed by:

    Chronic pain
    Exhaustion
    High blood pressure fluctuations
    Vertigo and dizziness
    Poor mobility
    Knee, hip, ankle, and joint pain
    Numbness and weakness in my hands
    Cognitive and executive functioning decline
    Vision problems and light sensitivity
    Dental issues
    Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder

    Some days my vision becomes a fuzzy blur. Bright light hurts. Low light makes basic tasks difficult.

    If I sit too long, my joints lock up.

    If I stand too long, my legs burn and stiffen.

    If I lie down, pain spreads throughout my body.

    Simple daily activities that most people take for granted are becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

    Why I Am Reaching Out

    I am exhausted.

    Physically.

    Mentally.

    Emotionally.

    Spiritually.

    I have spent years contacting organizations, charities, government agencies, advocacy programs, nonprofits, and anyone I could think of for help.

    Most of the time I receive lists of resources, referrals, phone numbers, websites, and suggestions.

    What I do not receive are results.

    I desperately need someone willing to understand my actual circumstances and help create real, concrete solutions.

    I do not need more lists.

    I need advocacy.

    I need a social worker or case manager who can help navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, food security, transportation, and long-term stability.

    I know resources exist.

    I simply cannot seem to access them on my own.

    A Recent Example

    A few months ago, I developed a serious dental problem.

    The pain became so severe that my landlord had to take me to the emergency room simply to obtain antibiotics.

    After extensive effort and repeated requests, I was able to receive an examination and X-rays, only to be referred elsewhere for additional care I could not afford and could not reliably travel to.

    Multiple emails and follow-ups produced little more than apologies and delays.

    This experience reflects a much larger problem:

    Many disabled people are given information about help.

    Far fewer are actually able to obtain that help.

    What I Need Most
    Immediate Needs
    Food and groceries
    Hygiene supplies
    Clothing
    Medical and dental care
    Transportation assistance
    Household necessities
    Relief from immediate financial crisis
    Long-Term Needs
    Stable, permanent housing
    Consistent food security
    Reliable healthcare access
    Advocacy and case management
    A sustainable future with dignity and security

    My greatest need is stability.

    I need a forever home where I can live safely for the rest of my life without constantly fearing homelessness, displacement, or crisis.

    This Is About Dignity

    This is not a request for luxury.

    It is a plea for dignity.

    Poverty is expensive.

    Disability is exhausting.

    Hunger is cruel.

    Isolation is crushing.

    I am trying to survive while my body and mind continue to deteriorate.

    Despite everything, I continue to fight every day.

    I continue to hope.

    I continue to ask for help.

    Financial Needs
    Today's Goal

    $8,455

    Annual Survival Need

    $27,255

    Monthly Survival Need

    $1,500

    Immediate Stabilization Goal

    $25,000

    Long-Term Housing and Security Goal

    $5,000,000

    A stable, accessible, permanent property would not only give me safety and security, but potentially allow me to spend the remainder of my life helping others who struggle as I have.

    How You Can Help
    Donate

    🔗 PayPal:
    paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=…

    💸 Cash App:
    $woctxphotog

    Share

    If you cannot donate, please share this with others.

    Every dollar helps.

    Every share matters.

    Every act of compassion makes a difference.

    Final Words

    I am tired.

    I am hungry.

    I am in pain.

    I am scared of what tomorrow may bring.

    But I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping someone will hear me.

    If you have ever known hardship, loss, fear, hunger, loneliness, disability, or uncertainty, then you know that compassion can mean everything.

    Please help if you can.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    #MutualAid #Disabled #Disability #Poverty #Housing #Health #Healthcare #DentalHealth #FoodInsecurity #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PTSD #Bipolar #Survival #Support #Compassion #Empathy #Aging #Help #Dignity #Rent #Groceries #Hygiene #CommunitySupport #Life

  27. Your Python code works. It’s also slower than it needs to be. 🐢

    If you work in AI or data, you’ve probably lived this loop:

    Prototype in Python because it’s fast to write.
    Hit a performance wall.
    Rewrite the hot paths in C++, Rust, or CUDA.
    Now you maintain two languages, two toolchains, and a fragile bridge between them.

    This is often called the two-language problem. It costs teams time, hiring flexibility, and a lot of debugging hours. Mojo is an attempt to fix it at the root.

    What is Mojo?

    Mojo was created by Modular, co-founded by Chris Lattner, who also created Swift and LLVM. It combines Python-like syntax with systems-level performance and memory safety ideas inspired by Rust, and it uses the MLIR compiler framework to target hardware such as GPUs, CPUs, TPUs, and ASICs.
    opensourceforu

    The goal is simple: one language from prototype to production, with code that looks familiar to Python developers.

    Why 1.0 matters

    For years, Mojo was a fast-moving experiment, and its syntax changed often. That made it hard to bet a real project on it.

    Version 1.0 brings backward compatibility and API stability, and future 1.x releases are expected to be mostly additive. Modular also says it relies on Mojo daily in production, as the foundation of its own commercial products, MAX and Modular Cloud.
    opensourceforu
    modular

    In short, the language you learn today shouldn’t break under you next month.

    What problems does it solve?

    1. Performance without leaving the Python mindset

    You write code that reads like Python, but you get control over types, memory, and hardware when you need it. You don’t have to jump to a different language for the hot path.

    1. One language for the whole stack

    Instead of Python for the model and C++ or CUDA for the kernels, you can aim to write both in the same language. That means a smaller skill gap inside your team.

    1. Hardware portability

    AI workloads now run on many kinds of accelerators. Because Mojo is built on MLIR, it is designed to target different hardware without rewriting everything per vendor.

    1. Gradual adoption

    You don’t need to migrate your whole codebase. Mojo is designed to work alongside Python, so you can start with the one function that’s too slow.

    A first look at the code

    Here is a simple example. It looks like Python, which is the point:

    mojo
    def main():
    var total = 0
    for i in range(1_000_000):
    total += i
    print(total)

    The real gains show up when you add static types and use Mojo’s low-level features for performance-critical sections. Check the official Mojo docs for the current syntax, since the language was cleaned up significantly for 1.0.

    Where to be realistic

    I don’t want this to read like hype, so here are the caveats:

    The ecosystem is young. Python has decades of libraries. Mojo does not, and you’ll often lean on Python interop.
    It’s strongest for AI and performance-heavy work. For a typical CRUD web app, Python or Go is still the simpler choice.
    Governance is worth watching. Modular was acquired by Qualcomm in mid-2026, and open-source status and community direction are things to keep an eye on as the ecosystem grows.
    opensourceforu
    Features are still arriving. Async programming, pattern matching, and tagged unions are on the roadmap.
    opensourceforu

    Should you try it?

    My take:

    Yes, if you work on ML, GPU kernels, or numerical code and you’re tired of maintaining a Python and C++ split.
    Maybe later, if your workload is mostly I/O-bound or web-focused.
    Worth a weekend, if you just want to see where language design is heading.
    Getting started
    Read the official Mojo documentation.
    Install the toolchain and run a small benchmark of your own slow Python function.
    Port just that one function and measure the difference.

    Measure on your own workload. Benchmarks from other people’s projects won’t tell you whether it helps yours.

    Final thoughts

    The two-language problem has been accepted as “just how things are” for a long time. Mojo 1.0 doesn’t magically end it, but it’s the first time the idea feels stable enough to try seriously.

    Have you tried Mojo, Rust, Zig, or another newer language? What problem did it solve for you, or why are you still skeptical? Let me know in the comments. 👇#programming #mojo #ai #python #software #coding #development #engineering #inclusive #community
    Mojo 1.0 Is Here: Is the Two-Language Problem Finally Over?

  28. A Little Humanity And Compassion, Could Really Improve Someone's Day;

    #Disability #Poverty #Aging #Health
    🚨 URGENT HELP NEEDED TODAY 🚨

    I am a 48-year-old disabled man living in poverty, and I am struggling to survive.

    Every day is a battle against constant pain, sleepless nights, hunger, declining health, worsening vision, vertigo, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and the harsh reality that my disability income does not come close to covering the cost of living.

    I face impossible choices every day:

    Food or hygiene.
    Medication or necessities.
    Survival today or survival tomorrow.

    I have no safety net. No financial cushion. No family support. No meaningful support system.

    I am asking for help because I genuinely do not know how much longer I can continue carrying this burden alone.

    My Reality

    I live solely on SSDI.

    I have no health insurance.

    I do not drive.

    I live in a rural area with no public transportation, meaning everything I need must be delivered or depend on finding someone willing and able to help.

    My housing situation is unstable. Part of my rent is paid through helping maintain the property where I live, but my disabilities and declining health are making even those responsibilities increasingly difficult.

    I am aging in poverty, and every year brings new physical limitations, more pain, and greater uncertainty.

    I am not getting better.

    I am getting worse.

    My Health Is Declining

    My days are consumed by:

    Chronic pain
    Exhaustion
    High blood pressure fluctuations
    Vertigo and dizziness
    Poor mobility
    Knee, hip, ankle, and joint pain
    Numbness and weakness in my hands
    Cognitive and executive functioning decline
    Vision problems and light sensitivity
    Dental issues
    Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder

    Some days my vision becomes a fuzzy blur. Bright light hurts. Low light makes basic tasks difficult.

    If I sit too long, my joints lock up.

    If I stand too long, my legs burn and stiffen.

    If I lie down, pain spreads throughout my body.

    Simple daily activities that most people take for granted are becoming harder and harder to accomplish.

    Why I Am Reaching Out

    I am exhausted.

    Physically.

    Mentally.

    Emotionally.

    Spiritually.

    I have spent years contacting organizations, charities, government agencies, advocacy programs, nonprofits, and anyone I could think of for help.

    Most of the time I receive lists of resources, referrals, phone numbers, websites, and suggestions.

    What I do not receive are results.

    I desperately need someone willing to understand my actual circumstances and help create real, concrete solutions.

    I do not need more lists.

    I need advocacy.

    I need a social worker or case manager who can help navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, food security, transportation, and long-term stability.

    I know resources exist.

    I simply cannot seem to access them on my own.

    A Recent Example

    A few months ago, I developed a serious dental problem.

    The pain became so severe that my landlord had to take me to the emergency room simply to obtain antibiotics.

    After extensive effort and repeated requests, I was able to receive an examination and X-rays, only to be referred elsewhere for additional care I could not afford and could not reliably travel to.

    Multiple emails and follow-ups produced little more than apologies and delays.

    This experience reflects a much larger problem:

    Many disabled people are given information about help.

    Far fewer are actually able to obtain that help.

    What I Need Most
    Immediate Needs
    Food and groceries
    Hygiene supplies
    Clothing
    Medical and dental care
    Transportation assistance
    Household necessities
    Relief from immediate financial crisis
    Long-Term Needs
    Stable, permanent housing
    Consistent food security
    Reliable healthcare access
    Advocacy and case management
    A sustainable future with dignity and security

    My greatest need is stability.

    I need a forever home where I can live safely for the rest of my life without constantly fearing homelessness, displacement, or crisis.

    This Is About Dignity

    This is not a request for luxury.

    It is a plea for dignity.

    Poverty is expensive.

    Disability is exhausting.

    Hunger is cruel.

    Isolation is crushing.

    I am trying to survive while my body and mind continue to deteriorate.

    Despite everything, I continue to fight every day.

    I continue to hope.

    I continue to ask for help.

    Financial Needs
    Today's Goal

    $8,455

    Annual Survival Need

    $27,255

    Monthly Survival Need

    $1,500

    Immediate Stabilization Goal

    $25,000

    Long-Term Housing and Security Goal

    $5,000,000

    A stable, accessible, permanent property would not only give me safety and security, but potentially allow me to spend the remainder of my life helping others who struggle as I have.

    How You Can Help
    Donate

    🔗 PayPal:
    paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=…

    💸 Cash App:
    $woctxphotog

    Share

    If you cannot donate, please share this with others.

    Every dollar helps.

    Every share matters.

    Every act of compassion makes a difference.

    Final Words

    I am tired.

    I am hungry.

    I am in pain.

    I am scared of what tomorrow may bring.

    But I am still here, still fighting, and still hoping someone will hear me.

    If you have ever known hardship, loss, fear, hunger, loneliness, disability, or uncertainty, then you know that compassion can mean everything.

    Please help if you can.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

    #MutualAid #Disabled #Disability #Poverty #Housing #Health #Healthcare #DentalHealth #FoodInsecurity #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #PTSD #Bipolar #Survival #Support #Compassion #Empathy #Aging #Help #Dignity #Rent #Groceries #Hygiene #CommunitySupport #Life

  29. DATE: October 25, 2026 at 12:00PM
    SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

    ** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
    -------------------------------------------------

    TITLE: How the menstrual cycle might alter ADHD symptoms in women taking stimulant medication

    URL: psypost.org/how-the-menstrual-

    The menstrual cycle appears to modulate the severity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits in women taking common stimulant medications. A new small study suggests that these traits peak in severity during menstruation and ease soon after, pointing toward a need for hormone-aware treatment plans. The research was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

    ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by distraction, impulsivity, and hyperactive behavior. Medical professionals historically viewed the condition as something that primarily affected young boys. That diagnostic gap is rapidly closing, and women now make up nearly half of the adult ADHD population in the United States. Women often present with different behavioral patterns than men, leaning toward severe inattention and internalizing behaviors rather than disruptive hyperactivity.

    Despite facing daily impairments in their careers and social lives, women remain largely underrepresented in ADHD research. One distinct biological variable separating women from men is the constant fluctuation of ovarian hormones. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise and peak near ovulation. The subsequent luteal phase features elevated estrogen and progesterone, which then drop rapidly shortly before menstruation begins.

    Researchers suspect these hormones play a direct role in brain chemistry. Low estrogen levels are thought to decrease dopamine signaling in the brain. Because dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in focus and attention, these natural hormonal drops could theoretically worsen ADHD symptoms.

    Researchers Rebecca Zaritsky, Stephanie C. Reed, and Suzette M. Evans wanted to understand how these hormonal variations interact with ADHD treatments. Prior laboratory work demonstrated that amphetamines, the most commonly prescribed class of ADHD medications, can be less effective during the luteal phase of the cycle. Case reports from clinical settings also hinted that some women experience worsening moods and fading concentration right before their periods.

    The research team designed a study to track these daily changes prospectively. The investigators recruited participants through online advertisements to monitor their daily experiences. They screened for individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who experienced regular menstrual cycles lasting between 21 and 35 days.

    To join the study, participants had to report an ADHD diagnosis and currently use amphetamine salts (commonly known by brand names like Adderall) for treatment on at least five days of the week. The team excluded anyone taking hormonal birth control, as well as individuals using other psychiatric medications. After exclusions and dropouts, the researchers ended up with a small study of 30 participants who completed the required long-term tracking.

    Each individual filled out an initial survey detailing their medical history, baseline mood, and general impulsive behaviors. Following this baseline assessment, participants completed a daily online survey for 35 consecutive days. This extended timeline ensured the researchers could capture data from one full menstrual cycle for every participant.

    The daily questionnaires asked participants to rate their current ADHD symptoms on a standardized four-point scale. They evaluated 18 distinct symptoms, splitting them equally between inattentive traits and hyperactive-impulsive traits. Participants also rated their daily mood variations on a six-point scale measuring 17 distinct emotional states, and reported their exact medication dosage for the day. Finally, they noted whether they were actively menstruating or spotting.

    The researchers averaged the daily survey responses and grouped them into three specific biological windows. These windows included the first five days of menstruation, the mid-follicular phase shortly after bleeding ends, and the late luteal phase just before the next period begins. Participants reported their most severe ADHD symptoms during the active menstruation phase. In contrast, they experienced comparatively milder symptoms during the mid-follicular phase.

    When researchers separated the specific types of ADHD traits, hyperactive and impulsive behaviors showed variation across the cycle phases, but after adjusting for multiple comparisons this amounted only to a trend rather than a statistically significant difference. Inattentive symptoms also fluctuated, but the differences were not statistically significant. Participants did not report any differences in how much their symptoms generally impaired their daily lives across the different phases.

    Mood tracking revealed a correlation between negative emotions and ADHD symptoms. Participants reported elevated negative moods during both the late luteal and menstruation phases compared to the mid-follicular phase. The individuals who experienced the largest drops in mood during menstruation also reported the greatest increases in ADHD symptoms. This correlation held true for both inattentive and hyperactive traits.

    Daily amphetamine doses remained remarkably steady across the entire cycle. Participants did not instinctively take more medication to compensate for feeling more distracted or hyperactive during their periods. The research team had hypothesized that some participants using flexible dosing regimens might attempt to counteract their worsening symptoms with higher doses. This lack of adjustment might reflect strict prescribing practices, as many doctors do not encourage patients to alter their daily stimulant intake based on their menstrual cycles.

    This research relied entirely on self-reported surveys. The investigators did not measure hormone levels in a laboratory to perfectly confirm each biological phase, opting instead to estimate phases based on reported bleeding days. The small sample size also limited the statistical power of the analysis, meaning the results require verification in larger populations. Because participants taking other psychiatric medications were excluded, the results might not represent individuals managing ADHD alongside conditions such as mood disorders or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

    The study design carried a few distinct demographic and methodological limitations. The researchers did not explicitly gather information on gender identity, meaning the relationship between gender identity, hormone cycles, and ADHD remains untested in this specific context. The standardized survey tool used to track daily symptoms was also based on older diagnostic criteria. This older framework lacks recent diagnostic updates designed to capture how ADHD presents in adults.

    The research team also looked at baseline mental health using standardized questionnaires for depression and anxiety. They found a trend suggesting that individuals with higher baseline depression and anxiety scores might experience slightly smaller shifts in ADHD symptoms across their cycles. However, having a higher overall symptom count on average consistently predicted a lower ADHD-related quality of life.

    Future studies will need to incorporate direct hormone sampling to precisely map biological changes to behavioral shifts. Researchers might also explore how oral contraceptives or specific antidepressants impact this hormonal cycle in neurodivergent populations. Some clinics have already begun testing symptom-based dosing regimens, where patients take slightly more medication during the specific weeks when their natural hormones work against them. Tracking these targeted interventions could eventually help doctors provide highly individualized care for women navigating adult ADHD.

    The study, “Changes in ADHD Symptoms and Mood Across the Menstrual Cycle in Females Treated With Stimulants: A Pilot Study,” was authored by Rebecca Zaritsky, Stephanie C. Reed, and Suzette M. Evans.

    URL: psypost.org/how-the-menstrual-

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    #psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #ADHD #WomensHealth #MenstrualCycle #ADHDWomen #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #HormonalHealth #ADHDAwareness #StimulantMedication #HealthResearch

  30. UltraNothing (post-punk / Luxembourg) + Easily Distracted by Ducks (punkrock) im Schokoladen Berlin

    Schokoladen, Saturday, November 14 at 07:00 PM GMT+1

    UltraNothing is a post-punk band from Luxembourg, formed in 2023. After the disbanding of their former band Office of Weird, Mich and Mig asked Pit whether he'd like to join them on drums in a new, undefined band. After more than a year of creating material and tireless rehearsals, in July 2024 they recorded their debut EP at Holtz Sound Studio and had Julien Rosenberger (L'Autre Oreille Studio) master the 4 tracks. UltraNothing's 10" vinyl EP was released on the 26th October 2024, during a gig at the Mix 'n' Kawa Bar in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, with the support of instrumental noise rock band TVESLA and the up-and-coming band FULVOUS.
    UltraNothing have nothing to add to the usual, standard litany of "punk" phrases and ideologies: of course, they are anti-racist, anti-fascist, anti-sexist and anti-everything else that discriminates people, however, as they see it, punk slogans and phrases unfortunately didn't leave much of a dent on the institutions and on the main causes of discrimination and suffering of people around the world during the past 50 years. Nevertheless, the trio are very much intent on grinding on ferociously and defiantly to the rhythm of modern fallacy in an empty ode to daily exhaustion, ennui, spleen and existential tiredness.
    In 2026, UltraNothing and their friends from the Luxembourgish noise punk band GOFAI decided to collaborate on a joint split LP release. This time round, UltraNothing took a fully D.I.Y. production approach and had their tracks recorded, mixed and mastered by Christophe Rippinger, who also carries out bass duties with GOFAI. The tracks were recorded live on 28th February 2026 at his "Dip Space" studio in Kayl, which also doubles as GOFAI's rehearsal room. UltraNothing's offering in the new split LP consists of five previously unrecorded tracks: four older tunes and a more recent track.
    The split LP is due for release on 23rd October 2026, at the Mix'n'Kawa Bar, Esch-sur-Alzette (Belval), Luxembourg.

    https://youtu.be/H4CazIcVf2Q?is=rR6IGA3hfXOMUR6F
    https://www.instagram.com/ultra.nothingband
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563845039096
    https://soundcloud.com/ultranothing
    https://ultranothing.bandcamp.com/

    Die Band Easily Distracted by Ducks liefert tanzbare, experimentelle Punk-Rock-Musik. Die vierköpfige Band aus Berlin spielt seit etwa drei Jahren und liebt es, vor Live-Mengen aufzutreten.

    Mit ihren aneckenden Texten haben sie an über zehn lokalen Veranstaltungsorten in Deutschland und England gespielt. Wo sie die Aufregung und Kämpfe des Lebens in Berlin auf die Bühne bringen und der Ansporn herrscht, diese Gefühle in ein gemeinsames Musik- und Tanzerlebnis umzuwandeln.

    Links:
    https://easilydistractedbyducks.bandcamp.com/
    linktr.ee/easilydistractedbyducks

    Videolink:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2k7yoyHhdM

    Ü16, Rollstuhlrampe vorhanden, Barrierefreie Toilette über den Hof

    berlin.askapunk.de/event/ultra

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